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Nativity Trail 2017 Sample Itinerary and Schedule

Now, 2000 years later, the modern-day city of Bethlehem - home of the Millennium - invites you to make a symbolic and historic journey commemorating that event by walking Palestine's Nativity Trail.The carefully researched route-a 11-day journey is the first leg of the new Palestine Trail.

Meeting the People Walking the Nativity Trail will be an opportunity to meet a diverse range of people: Franciscan priests on Mount Tabor, Muslim clerics at village mosques, Greek Orthodox monks in desert monasteries, hillside farmers and their families, small-town shopkeepers and craftspeople, Bedouin shepherds watering their flocks at ancient cisterns, and many more interesting people.

The Nativity Trail Route

(I am from Bethlehem) You will have place in our Homes and Inn

For twenty centuries, people have been telling the Christmas story about the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.People of all faiths can identify with the young mother-to-be, Mary, traveling by donkey with her husband Joseph, all the way from the village of Nazareth in Galilee to a distant town - a journey of many long days and nights. Why make such a trek? The young couple was required by the Roman tax collectors to register in the City of Bethlehem.It is one of the most famous passages in the Bible:And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the entire world should be taxed...And all went to be taxed every one into his own city.And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the City of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David).To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke2:1-7(KJV)

The Year 2011 Journey

• From Nazareth, City of the Annunciation to Bethlehem, City of the Nativity

Now, 2000 years later, the modern-day city of Bethlehem - home of the Millennium - invites you to make a symbolic and historic journey commemorating that event by walking Palestine's Nativity Trail.The carefully researched route-a 11-day journey is the first leg of the new Palestine Trail. Meeting the PeopleWalking the Nativity Trail will be an opportunity to meet a diverse range of people: Franciscan priests on Mount Tabor, Muslim clerics at village mosques, Greek Orthodox monks in desert monasteries, hillside farmers and their families, small-town shopkeepers and craftspeople, Bedouin shepherds watering their flocks at ancient cisterns, and many more interesting people. In this predominantly agricultural area, you will encounter men, women and children engaged in plowing fields, winnowing wheat, and picking olives according to the season. Everywhere you will be greeted with "Ahalan Wasahalan" a warm welcome, and traditional gestures of hospitality. You may be treated to a cup of sweet tea, some freshly baked "taboun" bread, or even a friendly game of billiards in the village "club", and in all settings, delicious Palestinian cuisine!

Please Note: Journey segments and distances are approximate. ATG and Siraj reserves the right to amend the programmed.

Day one: Arrival

Upon arrival to TLV airport or any crossing borders, participants will be picked up and transferred to Nazareth ( for Groups only ) otherwise meeting point will be the hotel in Nazareth . Dinner and overnight in Nazareth

Day two: Nazareth and Mount TaborAfter a tour of Nazareth including the church of the Annunciation and the house of Mary, drive to the foot of the Mount Tabor. Ascend Tabor and visit the monastery of the Transfiguration.. Dinner and overnight in Jenin.

Day three: Faqu’a to Zababdeh.20km Early morning, drive to the village of Faqua. Start walking towards Zababdeh. Across the rolling Eastern hills of Palestine, through the village of jalbun and Mughayir to Zababdeh, a Christian town on the ancient Roman trade route. Overnight accommodation in community centre (modern facilities).

Day four: Zababdeh to Fara'a 15 KmThrough olive groves and forests on the fertile hills of the west bank, descending to the spring of Ain Fara’a. Walk through the vegetable basket of Palestine. Arrive to Faraa', visit the archeological sites of Jacob and his family. Dinner and overnight with local families.

Day five: Fara'a to Nablus: 15 Km Walk through the orange groves to the broad sweep of Wadi Bidan, a picturesque valley system rich in mountain springs. While in Nablus, we will visit Jacob’s well and Tel Balata. After checking in our hotel in the old city of Nablus, we will tour the old city and enjoy bathing in the Turkish Bath. We will enjoy a Palestinian traditional meal in the Turkish bath in addition for a traditional Palestinian music. Overnight: in the old city of Nablus.

Day six: Nablus to DumaWalk through the Huwara checkpoint and continue from the village of Huwara to Awarta, enjoy the beautiful ancient old buildings in the village, visit the famous Maqams and continue to mount Awrma. Before arriving to Aqraba, rest at Mount Awrma and enjoy the scenes of Palestine and the ancient archeological site. Continue to Aqraba, Majdal Bani fadil. The trail follows the escarpment separating the fertile highlands from the arid slopes of the Jordan valley, offering the first views of the desert and Jordan before reaching the agriculture hilltop town of Duma with it’s olive groves. Overnight : village accommodation with families

Day seven: Duma to Ain Auja.18km

Across deep valleys and over high hills inhabited by shepherd’s before descending a rocky gorge to sea level at Auja Spring, one of the largest water sources in the Jordan valley. Overnight: camping with Bedouin shepherd’s near Al Auja.

Day eight: Auja to Jericho.13kmDesert terrain gives way to orange groves as the journey continues to the mount of temptation with its orthodox monastery clinging to the cliffs, then to Jericho, the oldest city on earth. Drive to the dead sea and enjoy swimming in its salty water. Overnight: orange grove camping or hotel in Jericho,

Day nine: Jericho to Nabi Musa.14km Up the spectacular canyon of Wadi Qelt to St. George Koziba monastery, then over the arid mountains of the Bethlehem wilderness to the remote and dramatically situated Nabi Musa. Overnight: Nabi Musa guest house or camping.

Day ten: Nabi Musa to Mar Saba.8kmThe original Nativity trail from Nabi Musa involved walking along the road, then taking tracks directly through the desert to the legendary orthodox monastery of Mar Saba in its wild canyon setting. The preferred route is now to drive the road, then follow desert tracks via Hyrcania, one of Herod’s mountain-top fortresses. Much more interesting! Overnight: camping outside the monastery, or with local Bedouin , or by local family in Beit Sahour .

Day eleven: Mar Saba to Bethlehem.9kmThe trail’s final segment ascends the hills of the Bethlehem wilderness to the hilltop suburbs of Bethlehem. The way then descends on foot or by vehicle through Beit Sahour to Manager Square in Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity on the site where the original journey ended-and the Christian faith has its beginning. Dinner and overnight with local families.

Day twelve: Departure

What to bring with you:1- Flash light2- Hat3- Sun screen4- Back bag5- Walking or hiking shoes6- Modest clothes7- An Open mind and heart

Accommodation:Accommodation will vary between, guesthouses, family stay and camping with Bedouins.

Support vehicle will be available for the duration of the Walk. The support vehicle will transport your bags to every location you will be staying overnight at.

Health and Drugs Useful

No vaccine mandatory Ensure that you update your routine vaccinations. The vaccine against Hepatitis A is also recommended. Beware of the sun. Make sure you cover it with clothes but fuller length, wear a hat and you rehydrate very often.

You can find pharmacies in the West Bank but nonetheless we recommend you bring the following medications, often helpful:* intestinal antiseptic. * Antibiotics broad spectrum. * Sunscreen high protection * Aspirin or pain usual* disinfectant. * Antihistamine (allergies, bites)

Price per person in a double room $1370

Price includes the following:1- All Accommodation in hotels, local families and with Bedouins 2- All Food, Breakfast, Lunch and dinner3- Pick up from the airport and back to the airport (for groups only) 4- Snacks along the way including tea, coffee and mineral water5- Local English speaking escorts 6- Support Vehicle along the way7- Entrance Fees8- Palestine and Palestinians Guide Book and maps

The price does not include the following:1- Personal expenses2- Pick up from the crossing border and airports to Nazareth in the first day. Transfer to the airport and crossing borders in the last day3- Tips4- Any other services not included above. 5- Turkish Path Experience